In this time of summer vacation, how many times will we see ourselves tempted to stop thinking about others and focus in ourselves

by Pilar Bacha de Camargo | Source: Catholic.net

“A Christian has to be a man for the others
by being a man with the others”

(JoséMa. Cabodevilla, Our
Father Speech)

In this time of summer vacation, how many times willwe see ourselves tempted to stop
thinking about others and focus in ourselves.

Is there a contradiction between “Well deserved
rest” and “bea man for the others”? Not at all! Taking
a few days to rest or partakingin an activity we like, amuses us, and entertains us, does not mean
“not thinkingabout the others.”

The hedonism, in search of immediate satisfaction; thematerialism, and the egocentrism,
fueled by mass media, all of these puttogether make humankind lose the correct path and move towards
an existentialvoid, where God is notably absent. A full life is measured in how much more wegive
ourselves to others, in how much more we think in those that surround us,and for the glory of the
Lord.

The Gospel of the widow’s mite (Lc 21, 2-4)
gives a clear example of this: “Jesus also saw a widow
throwing some pennies and said: I assure thatthis poor widow has thrown more than all others,
because those others havethrown what they have to spare, but she has thrown in her poverty
everythingshe had to live with.” Why does this widow get rid of the basic? Because toher, it is
more important to use the few money she had to pursue eternalsalvation and for the spiritual good of
allthose that approach the temple.

Saying that a Christian has to be a man for
the others means putting everythinghe does for the benefit of those that surrounds him, of his loved
ones, ofthose that are under his responsibility, of those that require his services atwork, etc. If
we take a break and draw a nice face and give the best ofourselves, then we “are for the others.”

Now, the second part of the title “…by being a man with the others” is even morecomplicated, because it
involves solidarity with those in need, to understand them,to approach to their needs, and to love
them as they are. Giving charity to thepoor or serving food in a cold and rainy day is easier to do
than sitting withthem to listen to what they have to say. This is “be a man with the
others.”

We do not always have a good opportunity to getinvolved with the person we are helping,
but it is worth keeping it in mind sothat we can apply it every time we can.

Now that we are going to the beach, to the mountain orstaying at home is a perfect
moment to put forward what God asks of us: thinkof others and, in some way, be with them. There are
thousands of ways to do it,but… an easy and simple way is here, through Catholic.net.

Whether it is a small or big effort, with a simpleclick, donating what you can and even
a little more, will make that millions ofpeople have company or assistance 24 hours a day by
contacting the services ourportal offers with which, our visitors, get closer and closer to God, Our
Lord.

And, how can we “be people with the others”?
Praying, especially for those who have less, forthose who suffer, for those who do not have a minute
to rest whether it is bysickness, a problem without solving, or any other cause. These people will
feelthat we are “with them” as a resultto all of our
prayers. Therefore, before you go, you can place in ourprayer network
your petitions too.

Catholic.net needs you. By making a
donation, we willbe covering that essential part of our being, the necessity of being,
as Christians, men for the others and with theothers.

It is very simple, click
here,, and in a minute youwill have done a generous act.

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